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It has never been easier to get stuck into a bit of DIY - our televisions offer regular advice in the shape of do-up-your-house TV shows and there's a DIY shop on almost every corner. Whether it's a small decorative job or you want to convert the garage the current downturn in the housing market has not diminished our desire to improve our homes. According to research published by Uswitch.com applications for home improvement loans have continued to rise. It looks as if people are choosing to stay put and opting to improve their home -whether using their own DIY skills or taking on an expert.

Home improvements don’t just have to be about changing the look and feel of your home. These days we are all focusing more on economising and some smart expenditure on simple alterations to your home could mean savings for many years to come. With the recent introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for all homes being sold it makes sense to make it more energy efficient if you're planning to sell to.

Loft conversions are a great way to gain extra living space without necessarily altering the external appearance of your home. Costing between £15-35k they can add about 15% to the value of your home. Most homes built before 1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, which adds another 1 or 2 rooms in the attic space.

Adding a ground floor extension can help to create good practical space with one storey extensions being more common. A two-storey extension can also add an additional bedroom or bathroom without the need for going into the loft.

A conservatory is an inexpensive way of adding extra living space at around £10-15k but make sure you have the necessary heating and blinds to make it usable all year round.

Kitchen and bathroom makeovers can make or break a sale and can often add the wow factor to a home. If budget is an issue then a lick of paint and new tiles will often make a significant difference to a tired kitchen. You can now source cupboard fronts and new door furniture without the need to completely re-fit your whole kitchen helping to upgrade an old fashioned kitchen.

Most garages are too small for modern cars and end up being used as storage rooms. As the basic structure already exists there is no need for expensive external walls and foundations. Disruption to you home life should be minimal and this can take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months for more substantial conversions.